Making Gujarati Khichdi at Home: A Comprehensive Guide

Gujarati Khichdi, a comforting and nutritious dish made with rice and lentils, is a staple in many South Asian households. This article provides a detailed guide on how to make Gujarati Khichdi at home, including a traditional recipe and an efficient ready-to-cook option. Whether you're a culinary enthusiast or a busy home cook, this guide will help you create a delicious and wholesome meal.

Ingredients (Traditional Method)

1 cup basmati rice 1/2 cup split yellow moong dal 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 medium tomato, chopped 1-2 green chilies, slit 1-2 tablespoons ghee or oil 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon ginger paste Salt to taste 4 cups water (Optional) Vegetables like peas, carrots, and potatoes, chopped Fresh coriander, for garnish

Optional Ingredients (Ready-to-Cook Method)

Fortune Foods Gujarati ready-to-cook Khichdi packet (1 packet) 1 tablespoon ghee Tastemaker sachet (1 sachet) About 800 ml of water

Instructions

Traditional Method

Rinse the Rice and Lentils: Wash the rice and moong dal together under running water until the water runs clear. Soak them for 15-20 minutes, then drain. Prepare the Vegetables (if using): Chop any vegetables to add to the khichdi. Heat Ghee/Oil: In a pressure cooker or a heavy-bottomed pot, heat ghee or oil over medium heat. Add Spices: Once hot, add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent. Add Tomatoes and Spices: Add the chopped tomatoes, green chilies, ginger paste, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes soften. Add Rice, Lentils, and Water: Stir in the soaked rice and moong dal. If using vegetables, add them now. Pour in 4 cups of water and mix well. Cook: If using a pressure cooker, cover and cook on high heat for 2 whistles, then reduce the heat and cook for another 3-4 minutes. If using a pot, bring to a boil, cover, and simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes or until the rice and lentils are soft and fully cooked. Serve: Once cooked, turn off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes. Open the lid, fluff the khichdi with a fork, and garnish with fresh coriander.

Ready-to-Cook Method

Empty the Fortune Foods Gujarati ready-to-cook khichdi packet into a preheated pan with 1 tablespoon ghee. Add the tastemaker sachet and mix the contents well. Add about 800 ml of water to the pan and pressure cook for one whistle. Within 15 minutes, you are ready to serve a delicious, wholesome meal!

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy your homemade Gujarati Khichdi hot, accompanied by a dollop of ghee and served with yogurt or pickle on the side for extra flavor.

For those in a hurry, the ready-to-cook method saves time without compromising on taste and nutrition. Serve it hot and watch it become a comforting part of your daily dining habits.